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Nevsun in Eritrea : Dealing With a Dictator - the fifth estate | CBC News | YouTubeToText
YouTube Transcript: Nevsun in Eritrea : Dealing With a Dictator - the fifth estate
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>> Mark: It's one of Canada's rock solid calling cards around
rock solid calling cards around the world.
the world. More than half of the world's
More than half of the world's mining companies are Canadian.
mining companies are Canadian. But do they promote Canadian
But do they promote Canadian values when they do business
values when they do business abroad?
abroad? Tonight we take you on a
Tonight we take you on a journey to East Africa to
journey to East Africa to uncover the story of a Canadian
uncover the story of a Canadian mine turning desert dirt into
mine turning desert dirt into mineral riches.
mineral riches. But to get at those riches first
But to get at those riches first The Canadians needed to get
The Canadians needed to get into business with a dictator.
into business with a dictator. >> He was a very charismatic, a
>> He was a very charismatic, a very beguiling figure, but he
very beguiling figure, but he was Also...um showed these sort
was Also...um showed these sort of real megalomaniac
of real megalomaniac tendencies.
tendencies. >> Mark: A Canadian company now
Partnered with a Pariah state.
>> How do you feel about your
involvement in a country that
has been described as the North
Korea of Africa?
>> We can control what we can
control.
As a company we are bringing an
awful lot of good to this
country.
>> Mark: So is the mine a force
for good in a struggling
country?
>> Absolutely, we are at the
template for responsible
international business in that
country.
>> Mark: Or is the money from
that mine helping to prop up a
brutal dictatorship?
A dictatorship accused of doing
business with terrorists.
>> Suicide bombings, murder of civilians, assassinations of
civilians, assassinations of foreigners.
foreigners. >> Mark: I'm Mark Kelley in
>> Mark: I'm Mark Kelley in Northern Ethiopia and this is
Northern Ethiopia and this is The Fifth Estate.
The Fifth Estate. (♪♪)
(♪♪) >> Mark: Sometimes the truth
>> Mark: Sometimes the truth can hide in faraway places.
can hide in faraway places. That's why sometimes...the
That's why sometimes...the truth is hard to find.
truth is hard to find. We're trying to find it here
We're trying to find it here and what a place to look
and what a place to look for it.
for it. The landscape in East Africa is
The landscape in East Africa is rugged.
rugged. The vistas revealing as we wind
The vistas revealing as we wind our way through the mountains.
our way through the mountains. Life is stark and simple.
Life is stark and simple. It's All about survival.
It's All about survival. Barely a soul in sight, and yet
Barely a soul in sight, and yet every month, thousands of
every month, thousands of refugees leave Eritrea heading
refugees leave Eritrea heading for camps in the region like
for camps in the region like this one...
this one... This is a safe haven for people
This is a safe haven for people who want to escape the grip of
who want to escape the grip of Eritrea's repressive regime.
Eritrea's repressive regime. Many of them just teenagers.
Many of them just teenagers. Like this girl.
Like this girl. She's just 15 years old.
She's just 15 years old. >> Mark: I want to know how
>> Mark: I want to know how ...how did you leave Eritrea?
...how did you leave Eritrea? How did you get here?
How did you get here? Were you by yourself?
>> Mark: We're on the trail of 2 men who feel their lives are
2 men who feel their lives are in Danger because they're
in Danger because they're speaking out about what they
speaking out about what they say they endured working at a
say they endured working at a Canadian mine.
Canadian mine. Their names are on a
Their names are on a lawsuit...filed 12,000
lawsuit...filed 12,000 kilometres away in the supreme
kilometres away in the supreme court of British Columbia.
court of British Columbia. The suit Alleges beatings,
The suit Alleges beatings, torture, cruel and inhuman
torture, cruel and inhuman treatment at the hands of the
treatment at the hands of the government.
government. So why would two guys living
So why would two guys living here be taking on a mining
here be taking on a mining company based in Vancouver?
company based in Vancouver? Well, it's a twisted tale.
Well, it's a twisted tale. And the answers, we hope, are
And the answers, we hope, are somewhere in this camp.
somewhere in this camp. One of the first people we come
One of the first people we come across is Legese Berhe.
across is Legese Berhe. And sure enough, he tells us he
And sure enough, he tells us he worked at that Canadian mine.
worked at that Canadian mine. it's a bad memory for him.
it's a bad memory for him. Berhe says he was forced to
Berhe says he was forced to work day and night at the mine
work day and night at the mine doing hard labour.
doing hard labour. >> Mark: So would you work
>> Mark: He says forced labour is a daily reality in Eritrea...
is a daily reality in Eritrea... And that's why he and so many
>> Mark: Eritrea, a country of some 6 million people in the
some 6 million people in the horn of Africa.
horn of Africa. Its dry desert landscape
Its dry desert landscape looking more like a lunar
looking more like a lunar moonscape.
moonscape. But beneath the surface, it's a
But beneath the surface, it's a land of mineral riches, a
land of mineral riches, a prospector's paradise.
prospector's paradise. A world away in B.C., there
A world away in B.C., there were whispers in the business
were whispers in the business community that Eritrea was a
community that Eritrea was a place where a mining company
place where a mining company could strike it rich.
could strike it rich. Vancouver's Nevsun Resources
Vancouver's Nevsun Resources was Intrigued.
was Intrigued. Nevsun vice president Todd
Nevsun vice president Todd Romaine.
Romaine. >> We received a letter from a
>> We received a letter from a prospector about this amazing
prospector about this amazing discovery in Eritrea and our
discovery in Eritrea and our CEO at the time was very
CEO at the time was very interested in exploring that
interested in exploring that and he sent out two Nevsun
and he sent out two Nevsun officials in January 1998.
officials in January 1998. And it wasn't until 2003 that
And it wasn't until 2003 that we discovered this monster of a
we discovered this monster of a deposit called the Bisha
deposit called the Bisha deposit.
deposit. >> Mark: Describe this monster
>> Mark: Describe this monster to me.
to me. What was there?
What was there? >> Well, it was a giant layer
>> Well, it was a giant layer cake with high grades, you know
cake with high grades, you know 5, 6, 7, 8% grades of gold,
5, 6, 7, 8% grades of gold, copper and zinc.
copper and zinc. This giant ore body which was,
This giant ore body which was, again one of the highest grade
again one of the highest grade deposits in the world.
deposits in the world. >> Mark: But how could the
>> Mark: But how could the Canadians tap into this monster
Canadians tap into this monster mineral deposit?
mineral deposit? Eritrea was a broken country
Eritrea was a broken country bombed out and All but bankrupt.
bombed out and All but bankrupt. After a 30-year war of
After a 30-year war of independence with Ethiopia.
independence with Ethiopia. Nevsun would have to start from
Nevsun would have to start from scratch.
scratch. And worse, the horn of Africa
And worse, the horn of Africa is a dangerous place run by
is a dangerous place run by ruthless regimes.
ruthless regimes. The U.S. would call Eritrea's
The U.S. would call Eritrea's new leader an unhinged
new leader an unhinged dictator.
dictator. After winning Eritrea's
After winning Eritrea's independence in 1993, Isaias
independence in 1993, Isaias Afewerki - freedom fighter
Afewerki - freedom fighter -turned president began a
-turned president began a brutal clampdown against his
brutal clampdown against his critics.
critics. >> He was a very charismatic,
>> He was a very charismatic, very beguiling figure, but he
very beguiling figure, but he was Also--showed these sort of
was Also--showed these sort of real megalomaniac tendencies.
real megalomaniac tendencies. >> Mark: Journalist Michela
>> Mark: Journalist Michela Wrong has written extensively
Wrong has written extensively about Eritrea.
about Eritrea. >> The power remained with
>> The power remained with the -- with the military, the
the -- with the military, the ruling party, and above All
ruling party, and above All with Isaias himself.
with Isaias himself. And what you see is as the
And what you see is as the years go by; Isaias begins to
years go by; Isaias begins to sideline All his closest
sideline All his closest collaborators, the ones who
collaborators, the ones who really could have been a
really could have been a challenge.
challenge. >> Mark: Aaron Berhane was
>> Mark: Aaron Berhane was Watching All of this unfold.
Watching All of this unfold. He ran a newspaper in Eritrea,
He ran a newspaper in Eritrea, but after publishing stories
but after publishing stories critical of the government, he
critical of the government, he got a warning...
got a warning... >> Two security agents were
>> Two security agents were waiting for me in the shade of
waiting for me in the shade of the wall.
the wall. And one of them he put the gun
And one of them he put the gun on my ribs and he said you
on my ribs and he said you know, 'If you write anything
know, 'If you write anything against this government from
against this government from now on, this is going to be the
now on, this is going to be the last by-line.'
last by-line.' >> Mark: In 2001, the Eritrean
>> Mark: In 2001, the Eritrean president jailed political
president jailed political opponents and journalists.
opponents and journalists. Berhane went into hiding... he
Berhane went into hiding... he would later dodge gunfire on
would later dodge gunfire on the border and escape.
the border and escape. >> If I am going to die, I have
>> If I am going to die, I have to die while I'm trying to
to die while I'm trying to flee.
flee. Because I know what is going to
Because I know what is going to happen.
happen. So if they arrest me,
So if they arrest me, definitely they are going to
definitely they are going to torture me to death.
torture me to death. >> Mark: It was a dangerous
>> Mark: It was a dangerous climate, so the small mining
climate, so the small mining company would have to take a
company would have to take a big gamble.
big gamble. Should Nevsun stake its future
Should Nevsun stake its future in a place like Eritrea?
in a place like Eritrea? There are a lot of reasons why
There are a lot of reasons why you wouldn't do business there,
you wouldn't do business there, that the challenges would be
that the challenges would be insurmountable.
insurmountable. Was there a period of
Was there a period of deliberation whether you
deliberation whether you thought whether the risk was
thought whether the risk was worth the reward?
worth the reward? >> Sure, we examined All those
>> Sure, we examined All those factors before going into the
factors before going into the country there, but we met with
country there, but we met with numerous government officials,
numerous government officials, you know senior levels of
you know senior levels of government there and we were
government there and we were very encouraged by their
very encouraged by their openness to develop the mine in
openness to develop the mine in a responsible manner.
a responsible manner. >> Mark: But running a mine in
>> Mark: But running a mine in Eritrea would come at a cost.
Eritrea would come at a cost. The dictatorship wanted in.
The dictatorship wanted in. >> The State want 40% right off
>> The State want 40% right off the bat that they want to make
the bat that they want to make sure they were part of the
sure they were part of the board that made decisions,
board that made decisions, consensus style and that they
consensus style and that they were benefactors of resource
were benefactors of resource development.
development. >> Mark: Did you have any
>> Mark: Did you have any choice when they said we
choice when they said we want 40%?
want 40%? Was that a take it or leave it
Was that a take it or leave it deal for you guys?
deal for you guys? >> No I think at the time this
>> No I think at the time this is what they wanted to do with
is what they wanted to do with their regulatory system....
their regulatory system.... >> Mark: But did you have a
>> Mark: But did you have a choice?
choice? >> Um, I don't recall the
>> Um, I don't recall the discussions back then, but I
discussions back then, but I think if it meant stability for
think if it meant stability for investment out there then I
investment out there then I think we would've been
think we would've been favourable with those
favourable with those conditions.
conditions. >> Mark: It was a shotgun
>> Mark: It was a shotgun marriage.
marriage. A small Vancouver company now
A small Vancouver company now in business with the regime of
in business with the regime of Isaias Aferwerki in a country
Isaias Aferwerki in a country that didn't Allow democracy or
(♪♪) >> Mark: Thirteen years after
>> Mark: Thirteen years after first surveying the desert,
first surveying the desert, Nevsun hit pay dirt.
Nevsun hit pay dirt. in February 2011, the gold
in February 2011, the gold started to flow...
started to flow... and so, too, did the money.
and so, too, did the money. In that first year of
In that first year of production Alone, Nevsun
production Alone, Nevsun reported revenues of $548
reported revenues of $548 million.
million. The company had now joined the
The company had now joined the club Of Canadian mines making
club Of Canadian mines making millions around the world.
millions around the world. >> Mark: Give me an idea of what
>> Mark: Give me an idea of what success felt like for Nevsun in
success felt like for Nevsun in that time?
that time? >> Well, I think a lot of
>> Well, I think a lot of people doubted our ability to
people doubted our ability to operate in Eritrea right.
operate in Eritrea right. And I think as soon as it was
And I think as soon as it was able to come on board there we
able to come on board there we were able to put a lot of our
were able to put a lot of our critics at bay, that we proved
critics at bay, that we proved ourselves that we're able to
ourselves that we're able to operate in a far flung
operate in a far flung jurisdiction like Eritrea and
jurisdiction like Eritrea and produce a world class
produce a world class operation.
operation. If it wasn't for the support of
If it wasn't for the support of the state, our partner, as well
the state, our partner, as well as All of our workers, it would
as All of our workers, it would not have been possible.
not have been possible. >> Mark: But while Nevsun was
>> Mark: But while Nevsun was celebrating its Success,
celebrating its Success, troubling stories started to
>> Mark: When we come back...
>> There are no human rights
violations on our mine site.
>> Mark: Controversy dogs
Nevsun's new business partner.
>> How do you feel about your
involvement in a country that
has been described as the North
(♪♪) (♪♪)
(♪♪) >> Mark: For hundreds of years,
>> Mark: For hundreds of years, foreigners have come to mine
foreigners have come to mine the mineral riches in Africa.
the mineral riches in Africa. But few ever ventured into this
But few ever ventured into this corner of East Africa...
corner of East Africa... Into a tiny country called
Into a tiny country called Eritrea.
Eritrea. >> Mark: But since 2011, that's
>> Mark: But since 2011, that's where a Vancouver company
where a Vancouver company called Nevsun has been turning
called Nevsun has been turning desert dirt into zinc, copper,
desert dirt into zinc, copper, and gold.
and gold. During its first 4 years in
During its first 4 years in operation, the Bisha Mine had
operation, the Bisha Mine had generated profits of about $700
generated profits of about $700 million U.S. for Nevsun and its
million U.S. for Nevsun and its partner the Eritrean government.
partner the Eritrean government. >> The Bisha mine, the first
>> The Bisha mine, the first and only modern mine in the
and only modern mine in the country is playing a big part
country is playing a big part in helping create opportunity,
in helping create opportunity, prosperity and self-reliance.
prosperity and self-reliance. >> Mark: Nevsun's corporate
>> Mark: Nevsun's corporate video boasted about how well
video boasted about how well its workers are treated.
its workers are treated. A point of pride for the
A point of pride for the Canadian company, especially in
Canadian company, especially in a country ruled by a
a country ruled by a dictatorship.
dictatorship. >> Our employees are provided
>> Our employees are provided air-conditioned accommodations,
air-conditioned accommodations, most with private bathrooms,
most with private bathrooms, All equipped with TV and
All equipped with TV and Internet.
Internet. All our workers and contractors
All our workers and contractors receive free health care.
receive free health care. Bisha's workers are served
Bisha's workers are served fresh and nutritious food free
fresh and nutritious food free of charge All they can eat and
of charge All they can eat and much of it grown right here on
much of it grown right here on our own farm.
our own farm. >> Mark: How would the mine be
>> Mark: How would the mine be used as a tool for this
used as a tool for this positive development as you're
positive development as you're calling it?
calling it? >> Well, I mean, just look at
>> Well, I mean, just look at the mine since the beginning.
the mine since the beginning. We've contributed Almost 2
We've contributed Almost 2 billion dollars to the Eritrean
billion dollars to the Eritrean economy, 755 million has gone
economy, 755 million has gone to the government and that's
to the government and that's gone to deal with poverty
gone to deal with poverty reduction, the building of
reduction, the building of community infrastructure, new
community infrastructure, new hospitals, new schools.
hospitals, new schools. We provide well-paying jobs at
We provide well-paying jobs at the mine so we believe we've
the mine so we believe we've made a very positive
made a very positive contribution to the on-going
contribution to the on-going economic development of the
economic development of the country.
country. >> Mark: That may well be, but
>> Mark: That may well be, but remember, that country is run
remember, that country is run by a dictatorship that Also had
by a dictatorship that Also had a 40% stake in running the
a 40% stake in running the mine.
mine. And some uncomfortable
And some uncomfortable questions were being raised
questions were being raised about the workers the government
about the workers the government supplied to build the mine.
supplied to build the mine. >> Indefinite national service
>> Indefinite national service for 20 years, paying 10 dollars
for 20 years, paying 10 dollars per month.
per month. That is modern time slavery...
That is modern time slavery... >> Mark: Elsa Chyrum is an
>> Mark: Elsa Chyrum is an exiled Eritrean human rights
exiled Eritrean human rights activist.
activist. She's travelled the globe
She's travelled the globe talking to former workers who
talking to former workers who fled the country, taking
fled the country, taking statements about their role in
statements about their role in building the mine.
building the mine. She said many were forced into
She said many were forced into the job.
the job. >> They did not apply for
>> They did not apply for the job.
the job. If they refused they would be
If they refused they would be killed or tortured, or detained
killed or tortured, or detained indefinitely.
indefinitely. So what choice do they have.
So what choice do they have. >> Mark: Chyrum says the
>> Mark: Chyrum says the government was using military
government was using military conscripts as a pool of cheap
conscripts as a pool of cheap labour to build the mine.
labour to build the mine. In Eritrea, everyone over 18
In Eritrea, everyone over 18 enlists in what's called The
enlists in what's called The National Service.
National Service. Trained at camps like this.
Trained at camps like this. Some are used as soldiers,
Some are used as soldiers, others are used as a labour pool
others are used as a labour pool for government projects.
for government projects. But did that include building
But did that include building the Bisha mine?
the Bisha mine? Human rights groups considered
Human rights groups considered this a modern form of slavery.
this a modern form of slavery. Worse, in the case of the mine,
Worse, in the case of the mine, they said it was forced labour
In January 2013, New York based
human rights watch released a
report- called hear no evil-
blaming Nevsun for failing to
stop the use of forced labour at
Nevsun insisted it didn't hire the workers.
the workers. The company said they were
The company said they were provided by and Eritrean
provided by and Eritrean state-run company called Segen
state-run company called Segen Construction.
Construction. Initially, Nevsun offered this
Nevsun was feeling the heat in Ottawa, too.
Ottawa, too. Some politicians felt doing
Some politicians felt doing business with a dictator would
Nevsun CEO Cliff Davis was
called on the carpet by a
parliamentary committee.
>> How do you feel about your
involvement in a country that
has been described as the North
Korea of Africa with respect to
human rights violations?
>> We can control what we can
control.
As a company we are bringing an
awful lot of good to this
country, and we are doing an
awful lot of good to the people
of Eritrea.
>> Down, down Isiais!!... (chanting)
(chanting) >> Mark: But the controversy
>> Mark: But the controversy didn't die there.
didn't die there. It only got bigger.
It only got bigger. Last year, The United Nations
Last year, The United Nations released a scathing 484-page
released a scathing 484-page report on human rights abuses
report on human rights abuses in Eritrea, including the issue
in Eritrea, including the issue of Forced labour to build the
>> We are in the midst of a four day training course...on
four day training course...on human rights and the voluntary
human rights and the voluntary principles...
principles... >> Mark: In response to the
>> Mark: In response to the mounting public and political
mounting public and political outcry, Nevsun had hired
outcry, Nevsun had hired Montréal human rights lawyer
Montréal human rights lawyer Lloyd Lipsett.
Lloyd Lipsett. He visited Eritrea six times,
He visited Eritrea six times, to produce reports on Nevsun's
to produce reports on Nevsun's operations.
operations. >> Mark: Will you say now with
>> Mark: Will you say now with total certainty that there is
total certainty that there is no forced labour being used in
no forced labour being used in that mine?
that mine? >> I, with total certainty is a
>> I, with total certainty is a hard thing to say, but I am
hard thing to say, but I am very confident that there is no,
very confident that there is no, there's no forced labour,
there's no forced labour, there is no national service
there is no national service used either in the direct
used either in the direct workforce, or in the Eritrean
workforce, or in the Eritrean contractors that provide labour
contractors that provide labour or transportation or security
>> Mark: With Lipsett's report
in hand, Nevsun did a 180 on
The company that once expressed regret that forced labour was
regret that forced labour was used at the mine, now says it
used at the mine, now says it has nothing to apologize for.
has nothing to apologize for. >> Mark: You don't believe that
>> Mark: You don't believe that there was any conscripted
there was any conscripted labour that was ever used in
labour that was ever used in the development or operation of
the development or operation of your mine?
your mine? >> We've done extensive
>> We've done extensive investigations to date inside
investigations to date inside Eritrea and at the Bisha mine
Eritrea and at the Bisha mine with former workers, both
with former workers, both expatriates, that have no tie
expatriates, that have no tie to Eritrea, that don't work in
to Eritrea, that don't work in Eritrea anymore as well as
Eritrea anymore as well as people that still work there
people that still work there and based on All this evidence,
and based on All this evidence, there's no corroborating claims
there's no corroborating claims to support any of the
to support any of the Allegations being made.
Allegations being made. >> Mark: There are a lot of
>> Mark: There are a lot of Allegations on the public
Allegations on the public record from people who say that
record from people who say that they were conscripted
they were conscripted labour working in your mine.
labour working in your mine. Do you believe they're lying?
Do you believe they're lying? >> Let me read you something
>> Let me read you something from uh...
from uh... this is from the U.N. commission
this is from the U.N. commission inquiry report.
inquiry report. It says here testimonies
It says here testimonies collected by the commission
collected by the commission showed that some conscripts
showed that some conscripts were used by Segen to construct
were used by Segen to construct the underground network of
the underground network of tunnels for future mining
tunnels for future mining operations.
operations. You know what the problem is
You know what the problem is with that statement Mark?
with that statement Mark? We're an open pit mine, there's
We're an open pit mine, there's never been tunnels.
never been tunnels. There's no tunnels in 2008 and
There's no tunnels in 2008 and there's no tunnels in 2016.
there's no tunnels in 2016. You have to take these things
You have to take these things with a grain of salt.
with a grain of salt. >> Mark: So the U.N.
>> Mark: So the U.N. has got it wrong?
has got it wrong? Or the U.N. Is lying?
Or the U.N. Is lying? >> The U.N. had a very biased,
>> The U.N. had a very biased, methological approach which
methological approach which only Included testimonies
only Included testimonies from people outside
from people outside the country.
the country. They did not want to meet with
They did not want to meet with Nevsun to talk about All our
Nevsun to talk about All our independent human rights impact
independent human rights impact assessments we'd done in the
assessments we'd done in the country or All the people that
country or All the people that we've talked to.
we've talked to. If they can get it so wrong.
If they can get it so wrong. With this tunnel analogy in
With this tunnel analogy in open pit mines, something so
open pit mines, something so elementary, as I mentioned
elementary, as I mentioned before you have to take this
before you have to take this with a grain of salt.
with a grain of salt. >> Mark: It's true the U.N.
>> Mark: It's true the U.N. didn't talk to anyone inside
didn't talk to anyone inside Eritrea.
Eritrea. That's because the Eritrean
That's because the Eritrean government wouldn't Allow the
government wouldn't Allow the U.N. into the country.
U.N. into the country. Of course we wanted to go to
Of course we wanted to go to Eritrea and see the mine for
Eritrea and see the mine for ourselves and give the
ourselves and give the government an opportunity to
government an opportunity to answer to these explosive
answer to these explosive Allegations.
Allegations. But in the end this is as far
But in the end this is as far as we got - northern Ethiopia.
as we got - northern Ethiopia. after months of back and forth
after months of back and forth with the Eritrean regime, we
with the Eritrean regime, we were told the "Fifth Estate"
(♪♪) So...who to believe?
So...who to believe? Was forced labour used to build
Was forced labour used to build the Canadian mine?
the Canadian mine? That's what we wanted to ask
That's what we wanted to ask the Two men who were suing
the Two men who were suing Nevsun back in Canada.
Nevsun back in Canada. They're among the refugees
They're among the refugees trapped in northern Ethiopia.
trapped in northern Ethiopia. We have their names from the
We have their names from the court documents.
court documents. We catch a break when camp
We catch a break when camp officials offer to run what
officials offer to run what little information we have
little information we have through their records.
through their records. The men are in the system, but
The men are in the system, but are they still here?
are they still here? And will we be able to find
And will we be able to find them among the thousands of
them among the thousands of Eritrean refugees in this camp?
Eritrean refugees in this camp? >> Mark: What can you do to help
>> Mark: What can you do to help us find these guys, because we
us find these guys, because we have come a long way and we
have come a long way and we really need to help --
really need to help -- need his help to find
need his help to find these guys quickly because
these guys quickly because we are running out of time.
we are running out of time. We finally get a tip...and set
Hi I'm Mark, how are you? Canada
Canada Nice to meet you.
Nice to meet you. How are you?
How are you? His name is Kesete.
His name is Kesete. And he's too nervous to Allow
And he's too nervous to Allow us to record an interview but
us to record an interview but he stands by his statement
he stands by his statement filed in a B.C. court.
filed in a B.C. court. We couldn't independently
We couldn't independently verify his claims but in his
verify his claims but in his affidavit, Kesete says that
affidavit, Kesete says that Although he was officially
Although he was officially released from the military, he
released from the military, he wasn't free.
wasn't free. Kesete Alleges that when he
Kesete Alleges that when he began working at the mine in
began working at the mine in 2008 he was "effectively under
2008 he was "effectively under the control of the Eritrean
the control of the Eritrean military."
military." He says he "could not refuse to
He says he "could not refuse to work at the Bisha mine" because
work at the Bisha mine" because He believed he would have been
He believed he would have been detained and punished severely.
detained and punished severely. The second man from the lawsuit
The second man from the lawsuit agrees to speak with us.
agrees to speak with us. His name is Miretab.
His name is Miretab. But he doesn't want to show his
But he doesn't want to show his face on camera.
face on camera. We agree to conceal his face to
We agree to conceal his face to protect his family in Eritrea.
protect his family in Eritrea. >> Mark: How did you end up
>> Mark: How did you end up working at the mine?
working at the mine? Did you have any choice about
Did you have any choice about whether you wanted to work at
>> Mark: He says he was told by his superiors to hide the fact
his superiors to hide the fact he was in the military when he
he was in the military when he was sent to work at the mine
was sent to work at the mine in 2010.
in 2010. According to his court
According to his court statement he worked in
statement he worked in conditions of "extreme heat."
conditions of "extreme heat." "Malaria" and "diarrhoea" were
"Malaria" and "diarrhoea" were common and said "conscripts
common and said "conscripts collapsed while working."
collapsed while working." He Also said he witnessed
He Also said he witnessed severe military punishment
severe military punishment inflicted on conscripts for
inflicted on conscripts for simply leaving the camp
simply leaving the camp overnight.
overnight. >> Mark: Why are you too afraid
>> Mark: Why are you too afraid to show your face on camera?
>> Mark: Do you believe that somebody from Eritrea, somebody
somebody from Eritrea, somebody from-- sent by the government
from-- sent by the government would try to harm you or even
would try to harm you or even kill you?
kill you? >> Yes.
>> Yes. >> Mark: Their lawsuit claims
>> Mark: Their lawsuit claims Nevsun knew about the forced
Nevsun knew about the forced labour and cruel treatment and
labour and cruel treatment and did nothing to stop it.
did nothing to stop it. Nevsun has denied
Nevsun has denied this, leaving it to the B.C.
this, leaving it to the B.C. supreme court to try to find
supreme court to try to find out what really happened at
>> Mark: When we come back...we
investigate whether Nevsun's
business partner was Also in
the business of financing
(♪♪) (♪♪)
(♪♪) >> Mark: The Canadian mine in
>> Mark: The Canadian mine in Eritrea isn't just the biggest
Eritrea isn't just the biggest one in that country, it's the
And to get into Eritrea, Vancouver's Nevsun Resources
Vancouver's Nevsun Resources had to give the government a
had to give the government a 40% stake in the mine.
40% stake in the mine. Revenues from the mine a
Revenues from the mine a lifeline for the cash strapped
lifeline for the cash strapped Eritrean regime to the tune of
(background din of the streets of Nairobi)
of Nairobi) >> Mark: But you don't have to
>> Mark: But you don't have to travel far from Eritrea to find
travel far from Eritrea to find people concerned about what the
people concerned about what the regime is doing with its money.
regime is doing with its money. Even before the gold mine ever
Even before the gold mine ever opened, Nevsun's business
opened, Nevsun's business partner was seen as a bad
partner was seen as a bad neighbour for supporting rebel
neighbour for supporting rebel militia groups bent on
militia groups bent on destabilizing countries like
destabilizing countries like Kenya.
Kenya. >> We're just driving by
>> We're just driving by Westgate Mall now it was the
Westgate Mall now it was the site in 2013 of that terrible
site in 2013 of that terrible massacre of innocent civilians
(Gunfire) >> Late this afternoon the
>> Late this afternoon the Somali group Al Shabaab said it
Somali group Al Shabaab said it did this...
did this... >> Mark: September 2013,
>> Mark: September 2013, Al-Shabab gunmen murdered 67
Al-Shabab gunmen murdered 67 and wounded 175 people in a
and wounded 175 people in a terrorist attack on Westgate
For years Kenya has been the target of bloody and brutal
target of bloody and brutal terrorist attacks.
terrorist attacks. So what does that have to do
So what does that have to do with a Canadian mining
with a Canadian mining company?
company? Well Nevsun was now doing
Well Nevsun was now doing business with the Eritrean
business with the Eritrean government - a regime that was
government - a regime that was accused of sponsoring Al
(singing chant)
>> Mark: Al Shabab leaves a
trail of dead wherever the
group strikes.
It has allied itself with Al
Qaeda, partners in a global
Canadian Matt Bryden spent years investigating who was
years investigating who was arming Al Shabab on behalf of
arming Al Shabab on behalf of the U.N. security council.
the U.N. security council. It didn't take long for his
It didn't take long for his team to find evidence pointing
team to find evidence pointing to the Eritrean dictatorship.
to the Eritrean dictatorship. >> They were supporting a group
>> They were supporting a group that was guilty of suicide
that was guilty of suicide bombings, murder of civilians,
bombings, murder of civilians, assassinations of foreigners.
assassinations of foreigners. This was now clearly just a
This was now clearly just a terrorist group.
terrorist group. >> Mark: The stakes were High
>> Mark: The stakes were High and not just for Africa.
and not just for Africa. Even the Canadian government
Even the Canadian government considers Al Shabaab a threat
considers Al Shabaab a threat to global security.
to global security. >> Today we are subjected to
>> Today we are subjected to unfair and illegitimate
unfair and illegitimate sanctions and baseless
sanctions and baseless accusations.
accusations. >> Mark: At the U.N., Eritrea's
>> Mark: At the U.N., Eritrea's diplomats denounced the
diplomats denounced the monitoring group's findings as
monitoring group's findings as biased and baseless.
biased and baseless. But were they?
But were they? Was Nevsun's business partner
Was Nevsun's business partner also in business with
also in business with terrorists?
terrorists? We travelled to the Eastleigh
We travelled to the Eastleigh neighbourhood in Nairobi to find
neighbourhood in Nairobi to find out.
out. >> This is Mogadishu street.
>> This is Mogadishu street. >> Mark: Home to a hundred
>> Mark: Home to a hundred thousand immigrants from
thousand immigrants from Somalia, and an Alleged hotbed
Somalia, and an Alleged hotbed of support for the Somali based
of support for the Somali based Al Shabaab.
Al Shabaab. We're here to find a former gun
(speaking Alternate language) His named is Abdinur Soyan.
His named is Abdinur Soyan. He says For 4 years his job for
He says For 4 years his job for a militia group was to get
a militia group was to get weapons from the Eritrean
weapons from the Eritrean regime and smuggle them to
regime and smuggle them to rebel groups in East Africa.
rebel groups in East Africa. The Eritrean government denies
>> Mark: So Al Shabaab would have been armed with weapons
>> Mark: In 2011, with gold flowing from the Canadian mine,
flowing from the Canadian mine, and profits flowing into the
and profits flowing into the pockets of Nevsun's partner,
pockets of Nevsun's partner, the Eritrean dictatorship, the
the Eritrean dictatorship, the U.N. was worried this new money
U.N. was worried this new money could be diverted to Al Shabab
could be diverted to Al Shabab or other militia groups active
or other militia groups active in the region.
in the region. >> How was Eritrea paying for
>> How was Eritrea paying for that?
that? It's a poor country.
It's a poor country. Doesn't have a lot of hard
Doesn't have a lot of hard currency.
currency. Very little, in fact, at that
Very little, in fact, at that time.
time. So we looked at All the
So we looked at All the potential sources and tried to
potential sources and tried to understand how this was
understand how this was happening.
happening. Money was being spent, and
Money was being spent, and there were only a limited
there were only a limited number of places that Eritrea
number of places that Eritrea could've been coming up with
could've been coming up with these funds.
these funds. >> Mark: With the goldmine
>> Mark: With the goldmine being one of them.
being one of them. >> Goldmine being one of them.
>> Goldmine being one of them. >> Mark: So the U.N.
>> Mark: So the U.N. asked for Nevsun's help.
asked for Nevsun's help. It wanted a forensic accounting
It wanted a forensic accounting of the money being transferred
of the money being transferred to the Eritrean regime.
to the Eritrean regime. Locations of the banks -
Locations of the banks - account numbers.
account numbers. >> We did reach out to Nevsun,
>> We did reach out to Nevsun, and Nevsun's response as best
and Nevsun's response as best as I could recollect was to say
as I could recollect was to say that they were bound by
that they were bound by confidentiality agreements with
confidentiality agreements with the Eritrean government and
the Eritrean government and therefore couldn't provide us
therefore couldn't provide us with any information, but
with any information, but assured us that none of the
assured us that none of the revenues were going into, being
revenues were going into, being used for military purposes.
used for military purposes. >> Mark: Were you assured by
>> Mark: Were you assured by that?
that? >> No we weren't assured by
>> No we weren't assured by that.
that. (singing chant)
(singing chant) >> Mark: So why wasn't Nevsun
>> Mark: So why wasn't Nevsun more helpful with the U.N.'s
more helpful with the U.N.'s fight to stop the spread of
fight to stop the spread of terrorism in East Africa?
terrorism in East Africa? The concern of the UN wasn't
The concern of the UN wasn't that Nevsun was doing something
that Nevsun was doing something wrong, the concern of the UN
wrong, the concern of the UN was that the Eritrean
was that the Eritrean government was using the assets
government was using the assets from your partnership in that
from your partnership in that mine to fund rebel groups -
mine to fund rebel groups - terrorist groups in that area
terrorist groups in that area of Africa.
of Africa. Was this a concern for you that
Was this a concern for you that some of the assets from your
some of the assets from your mine and your partnership were
mine and your partnership were being used to fund terrorist
being used to fund terrorist groups like Al Shabaab?
groups like Al Shabaab? >> I can't comment on
>> I can't comment on government policy.
government policy. What I can say is that our
What I can say is that our company is fully transparent
company is fully transparent with all the monies that are
with all the monies that are generated from the Bisha mine
generated from the Bisha mine and we've had candid
and we've had candid discussions with the Ministry
discussions with the Ministry of Finance about the need for
of Finance about the need for them to be transparent.
them to be transparent. >> Mark: Well, that's not how
>> Mark: Well, that's not how the U.N. sees it.
the U.N. sees it. In 2014 the security council
In 2014 the security council monitoring group reported that
monitoring group reported that Nevsun "refused to disclose"
Nevsun "refused to disclose" information on how payments
information on how payments were transmitted to the state
were transmitted to the state of Eritrea citing
of Eritrea citing "confidentiality agreements."
"confidentiality agreements." Nevsun said questions "should
Nevsun said questions "should be directed to the state of
be directed to the state of Eritrea."
Eritrea." But when the U.N.
But when the U.N. asked the Eritreans for banking
asked the Eritreans for banking information, they passed the
information, they passed the buck right back to the Canadian
buck right back to the Canadian mine, telling U.N. investigators
mine, telling U.N. investigators they "should direct specific
they "should direct specific questions to Nevsun."
questions to Nevsun." >> Mark: But if this government
>> Mark: But if this government were indeed financing a group
were indeed financing a group that has been labelled by our
that has been labelled by our own government Al Shabab as a
own government Al Shabab as a terrorist organization, this is
terrorist organization, this is your business partner.
your business partner. Wouldn't you be a little
Wouldn't you be a little concerned about that?
concerned about that? >> Again, I can't comment on
>> Again, I can't comment on government policy.
government policy. >> Mark: But would you be
>> Mark: But would you be concerned about that?
concerned about that? >> Again we have evidence to
>> Again we have evidence to support that the state of
support that the state of Eritrea is utilizing the money
Eritrea is utilizing the money for beneficial things.
for beneficial things. The community of Adarat is
The community of Adarat is receiving monies right now to
receiving monies right now to build a pipeline system and
build a pipeline system and water well and that shows that
water well and that shows that the government of Eritrea is
the government of Eritrea is serious about utilizing the
serious about utilizing the Bisha mine for positive
Bisha mine for positive constructive development in
constructive development in that country.
that country. >> Mark: As for Abdinur Soyan,
>> Mark: As for Abdinur Soyan, he says he's now out of the
he says he's now out of the gunrunning business.
gunrunning business. But he still looks over his
But he still looks over his shoulder every day.
shoulder every day. He says he received death
He says he received death threats from the Eritrean
threats from the Eritrean regime for speaking out about
regime for speaking out about Al Shabab.
Al Shabab. The UN investigators have
The UN investigators have found evidence that Eritrea...
found evidence that Eritrea... is now supporting other militia
is now supporting other militia groups in the region, but not
groups in the region, but not Al Shabab.
Al Shabab. That's why the UN maintains an
That's why the UN maintains an arms embargo against Eritrea to
arms embargo against Eritrea to try to stop the spread of
try to stop the spread of weapons.
weapons. An embargo that Canada
An embargo that Canada supports.
supports. When we come back...
When we come back... from business partner to
(♪♪) >> Mark: The plight of
>> Mark: The plight of Eritreans rarely ever grabs the
Eritreans rarely ever grabs the world's attention, that was
world's attention, that was until Europe's migrant crisis
until Europe's migrant crisis exploded into the news.
exploded into the news. Many of the people on these
Many of the people on these leaky boats on the
leaky boats on the Mediterranean are refugees from
The U.N. estimates about 400,000 Eritreans have fled the country
Eritreans have fled the country in recent years, escaping the
in recent years, escaping the dictatorship that has ruled the
dictatorship that has ruled the country since 1993.
country since 1993. This is a country that
This is a country that desperately needs some good
>> Mark: Enter Nevsun. It rolled out the top brass in
>> Well the Bisha mine is the
only producing mine in Eritrea,
and it plays a very important
role in the Eritrean economy
and we're proud to say it adds
significant tangible benefits
>> Mark: The Bisha mine has been producing hundreds of
been producing hundreds of millions of dollars in profits
millions of dollars in profits for shareholders and its
for shareholders and its partner the Eritrean
partner the Eritrean government.
government. >> We will try to make this as
>> We will try to make this as exciting as possible and
exciting as possible and entertaining as possible and as
entertaining as possible and as dangerous as possible...
dangerous as possible... Alright ready.
Alright ready. >> Mark: And both Eritrea and
>> Mark: And both Eritrea and the Canadian company are proud
the Canadian company are proud to show off their success.
to show off their success. This past November the regime
This past November the regime permitted a delegation of
permitted a delegation of foreign diplomats to visit the
foreign diplomats to visit the Bisha mine.
Bisha mine. >> These are two Canadians you
>> These are two Canadians you guys will be seeing in the next
guys will be seeing in the next day - one Mr Lloyd Lipsett he's
day - one Mr Lloyd Lipsett he's an international human rights
an international human rights lawyer and he'll be talking
lawyer and he'll be talking about the human rights program
about the human rights program at the Bisha mine.
at the Bisha mine. And Mr --
And Mr -- >> Mark: This is a high powered
>> Mark: This is a high powered group.
group. That's Canada's new ambassador
That's Canada's new ambassador to Eritrea Salah Bindaoud
to Eritrea Salah Bindaoud sitting on the right in the
sitting on the right in the light shirt.
light shirt. The U.S. ambassador is the
The U.S. ambassador is the one wearing the ball cap
one wearing the ball cap on the left.
on the left. The Fifth Estate wanted to come
The Fifth Estate wanted to come along, but the Eritrean
along, but the Eritrean government wouldn't let us into
government wouldn't let us into the country.
the country. Nevsun however, provided us
Nevsun however, provided us with this home video of
(Applause) >> Mark: That's the U.S.
>> Mark: That's the U.S. ambassador dressed up in the
ambassador dressed up in the local fashion leading the cheer
(partying sounds) >> Mark: And there's the U.S.
>> Mark: And there's the U.S. ambassador again joining in a
If there are on-going human rights violations inside
rights violations inside Eritrea, clearly this mission
Eritrea, clearly this mission wasn't going to find them here
wasn't going to find them here but, then again, that wasn't
but, then again, that wasn't their mission.
their mission. >> I'm very happy to be here
>> I'm very happy to be here with my colleagues from the
with my colleagues from the South African embassy, the
South African embassy, the German embassy, the Canadian
German embassy, the Canadian embassy.
embassy. >> Mark: The group came to see
>> Mark: The group came to see the mine and Canada's
the mine and Canada's ambassador told us later in an
ambassador told us later in an interview he was impressed by
interview he was impressed by what he saw.
what he saw. >> They are mining in a
>> They are mining in a responsible way, and protecting
responsible way, and protecting the environment, helping the
the environment, helping the neighbouring communities.
neighbouring communities. >> Mark: We asked the
>> Mark: We asked the ambassador if he requested to
ambassador if he requested to see any of the jailed
see any of the jailed journalists, political
journalists, political opponents, or prisoners of war
opponents, or prisoners of war who have been imprisoned for
who have been imprisoned for over a decade in Eritrea.
over a decade in Eritrea. The Canadian diplomat said --
The Canadian diplomat said -- maybe next time...
maybe next time... >> And well listen, I think for
>> And well listen, I think for the next visit, certainly we
the next visit, certainly we will ask, we will make request
will ask, we will make request to visit other things in the
to visit other things in the country.
country. And uh... I mean it's up to the
And uh... I mean it's up to the government to give us permits.
government to give us permits. >> Mark: But if the diplomats
>> Mark: But if the diplomats weren't going to investigate
weren't going to investigate allegations of abuse, the U.N.
allegations of abuse, the U.N. certainly was.
certainly was. >> A United Nations inquiry
>> A United Nations inquiry says Eritrea may have committed
says Eritrea may have committed crimes against humanity...
crimes against humanity... (chanting)
(chanting) >> Mark: The U.N. released a
>> Mark: The U.N. released a 484-page report that made
484-page report that made headlines around the world.
headlines around the world. It detailed human rights abuses
It detailed human rights abuses in Eritrea.
in Eritrea. Violations so serious they may
Violations so serious they may constitute crimes against
constitute crimes against humanity.
humanity. >> Killings, torture,
>> Killings, torture, indefinite national service.
indefinite national service. >> Mark: Eritrean activists
>> Mark: Eritrean activists demanded an end to the brutal
demanded an end to the brutal dictatorship.
dictatorship. Although the report was based
Although the report was based on the testimony of some 700
on the testimony of some 700 Eritreans, Nevsun's vice
Eritreans, Nevsun's vice president of corporate social
president of corporate social responsibility said it wasn't
responsibility said it wasn't credible.
credible. >> But unfortunately the United
>> But unfortunately the United Nations methodology in this
Nations methodology in this case was very biased and
case was very biased and selective, it only included
selective, it only included people from outside the
people from outside the country.
country. >> Mark: No...Nevsun won't let
>> Mark: No...Nevsun won't let the U.N.'s damning report
the U.N.'s damning report distract them from what the
distract them from what the company still insists is a
(♪♪) >> The Bisha mine is more than
>> The Bisha mine is more than just a mine.
just a mine. It symbolizes a new path
It symbolizes a new path forward for the State of
forward for the State of Eritrea.
Eritrea. One where the State of Eritrea
One where the State of Eritrea and a Canadian publicly traded
and a Canadian publicly traded company are working together
company are working together and have developed a leading
and have developed a leading edge mine, jobs and training
edge mine, jobs and training for local people, robust
for local people, robust environmental management,
environmental management, safety for all of our workers,
safety for all of our workers, consensus decision making at
consensus decision making at the board level there,
the board level there, stakeholder inclusion.
stakeholder inclusion. These are all aspects of core
These are all aspects of core Liberal Democratic values and
Liberal Democratic values and we're very proud of our role of
we're very proud of our role of playing a positive role in the
playing a positive role in the on-going evolution of Eritrea.
on-going evolution of Eritrea. >> Mark: But you're talking
>> Mark: But you're talking about the liberal democratic
about the liberal democratic values that you hope to bring
values that you hope to bring to this country and then the
to this country and then the U.N. came out with its
U.N. came out with its commission of inquiry which
commission of inquiry which talks -- this is a country
talks -- this is a country with very little respect for
with very little respect for human rights, where they talk
human rights, where they talk about extra judicial killings,
about extra judicial killings, torture, systemic rights
torture, systemic rights violations, forced labour,
violations, forced labour, creating an alarming
creating an alarming exodus of desperate people who
exodus of desperate people who are leaving this country now.
are leaving this country now. Is this the liberal democracy
Is this the liberal democracy you think that you're
you think that you're contributing to?
contributing to? >> I'll read the statement from
>> I'll read the statement from Louise Mazel, he's the US Chief
Louise Mazel, he's the US Chief of Mission, he was the U.S.
of Mission, he was the U.S. representative that visited the
representative that visited the Bisha mine a couple months ago
Bisha mine a couple months ago and here's what he said from
and here's what he said from his visit; He said in summary I
his visit; He said in summary I saw a Western mining company
saw a Western mining company that is creating jobs,
that is creating jobs, investing in local people,
investing in local people, mining responsibly, respecting
mining responsibly, respecting human rights, acting as a good
human rights, acting as a good neighbour and contributing to
neighbour and contributing to national development in
national development in Eritrea.
Eritrea. >> Mark: I'm talking about the
>> Mark: I'm talking about the government that you're in
government that you're in business with.
business with. >> So we've had dignitaries and
>> So we've had dignitaries and politicians from around the
politicians from around the world.
world. You know why they're coming to
You know why they're coming to the Bisha mine, because we
the Bisha mine, because we represent a new Eritrea, one
represent a new Eritrea, one that is embracing many liberal
that is embracing many liberal democratic values I spoke about
democratic values I spoke about earlier.
earlier. These people are very excited
These people are very excited about it and it's creating
about it and it's creating constructive positive dialogue
constructive positive dialogue between the state and western
between the state and western countries.
countries. And we believe we're playing a
And we believe we're playing a Canadian diplomatic role in
Canadian diplomatic role in making the situation much
better.
>> Nevsun has been working with
the government of Eritrea for
16 years.
We have a very positive
relationship with the state.
>> Mark: After dealing with a
dictator for almost two
decades, Nevsun is sounding as
much a booster as a business
Journalist Michela Wrong says that's the key to doing
that's the key to doing business in Eritrea.
business in Eritrea. >> I don't think there's any
>> I don't think there's any option.
option. If you're operating in Eritrea,
If you're operating in Eritrea, you have to be on good terms
you have to be on good terms with the government.
with the government. It's not the kind of country
It's not the kind of country where you can exert any
where you can exert any independence.
independence. You know, you have to have good
You know, you have to have good friends in government.
friends in government. >> Mark: As for Elsa Chyrum,
>> Mark: As for Elsa Chyrum, the exiled Eritrean activist
the exiled Eritrean activist will continue her fight to
will continue her fight to expose human rights abuses in
expose human rights abuses in that country.
that country. She accuses Nevsun of
She accuses Nevsun of whitewashing a brutal regime.
whitewashing a brutal regime. >> If Eritrea was a democratic
>> If Eritrea was a democratic country, and workers rights
country, and workers rights were respected, and people were
were respected, and people were free, that's fine, it would
free, that's fine, it would have been a good force, but
have been a good force, but under the current regime, the
under the current regime, the current situation, human rights
current situation, human rights situation, Nevsun became
situation, Nevsun became accomplice to the crimes
accomplice to the crimes perpetrated against the
perpetrated against the Eritrean people.
Eritrean people. >> Mark: And the Eritrean
>> Mark: And the Eritrean people continue their mass
people continue their mass exodus.
exodus. The country still bleeds
The country still bleeds refugees every day.
refugees every day. Exiled Eritrean journalist
Exiled Eritrean journalist Aaron Berhane...
Aaron Berhane... >> The Eritrean flee their
>> The Eritrean flee their country because Eritrea is now
country because Eritrea is now a living hell.
a living hell. >> Mark: They'd been dealing
>> Mark: They'd been dealing with a dictator, too.
with a dictator, too. And they'd seen enough.
And they'd seen enough. Putting their lives on the line
Putting their lives on the line to escape because they believe
to escape because they believe in something better.
in something better. But Nevsun is staying put.
But Nevsun is staying put. The Vancouver company has
The Vancouver company has expanded it's mining operations
expanded it's mining operations in Eritrea.
in Eritrea. And it believes there's enough
And it believes there's enough zinc and copper in the ground
zinc and copper in the ground to keep making money at the
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